Let us explain: Mercedes-Benz adopts a new naming scheme

The rumors were true: Mercedes-Benz is launching a new nomenclature for almost everything beyond the core A-, B-, C-, E-, and S-classes. If it sounds daunting, know that the new names basically affect only the vehicles that we currently know as the ML, the GLK, the GL, and the SLK.

Under the new plan, crossovers and SUVs will start with "GL" and be followed by a letter that aligns them with the core car models—think of the A-class-based GLA. Further up in the lineup, this means the GLK will turn into the GLC-class and the M-class becomes the GLE-class. The GL-class, which is close to the S-class in terms of lineup positioning, will be called the GLS-class. When these SUVs get a ridiculous coupelike spinoff, they will get a trailing "Coupe" designation. That means the upcoming M-class-based SUV coupe-thing will be called the GLE Coupe.

"Four-door coupes"—so, swoopy-roofed sedans and their hatchback or wagon derivatives—keep their "CL" prefixes, so the CLA- and CLS-classes don't change. (The latter despite the fact that the CLS is based on the E- and not the S-class.) Iconic models like the SL and the G-class/Geländewagen keep their designations, too, and so does the B-class, which sells in large enough volumes to justify its own moniker. But the SLK roadster, being a close relative of the C-class, will switch to SLC badging.

Mercedes-Benz is also revising the individual model and powertrain designations, which had become a bit too loquacious—think "BlueTec," "Electric Drive," etc. Identifying these sorts of cars will now be done through a trailing lowercase letter: The diesel models now get a simple "d", hybrids gain an "h", plug-in hybrids and electrics have an "e", and fuel-cell-powered models are designated by an "f". Cars powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) get a "c" moniker. As an example, the GL350 BlueTec diesel SUV will now have a GLS350d badge. The "4MATIC" designation for all-wheel-drive models remains unchanged, however.

The new nomenclature will begin to roll out with the face-lifted M-class, which arrives soon alongside the GLE coupe. It might take a little while to get used to the changes, but it all does seem more logical and more transparent than before—and it's a damn sight better than Infiniti's rebadging strategy.

Finally, Mercedes also confirmed the Mercedes-Maybach subbrand, which joins Mercedes-AMG as an offshoot of the mothership. On these cars, the plan is to have AMG or Maybach on the left side of the trunklid, the three-pointed star in the middle, and the model designation (S600, C63, and so on) off to the right.